Eriocampa ovata

Alder sawfly

Description

Eriocampa ovata is a pest commonly found on Alnus trees, causing damage and disruption to their growth. This pest belongs to the family Tenthredinidae and is commonly known as the alder sawfly. The adult sawflies are small, with a length of about 6 to 8 millimeters. They have a black body with yellow markings and transparent wings. The larvae of Eriocampa ovata are about 10 to 12 millimeters long. The larvae are typically white, apart from a brown mark on the head, and are covered with a glossy, white woolly secretion produced by epidermal glands. They consume the leaf tissues, causing visible damage. The feeding activity of Eriocampa ovata larvae can weaken the overall health of the Alnus tree, affecting its growth and vigor. It is important to monitor and control the population of these pests to prevent significant damage to the trees.